Overview
Directly countering the eight bases of laziness, the Buddha explained how a wise, energetic practitioner looks at the exact same eight life situations and uses them as fuel to arouse immense, urgent energy (ārambha). Where the fool finds an excuse to sleep, the wise person finds a reason to meditate.
The List
- Anticipating work: “I have a job to do. While working, it will be hard to pay attention to the Buddha’s teaching. Let me arouse energy now before the work begins.”
- Finished work: “I have finished the job. I couldn’t practice while working. Let me arouse energy now to make up for lost time.”
- Anticipating a journey: “I have a journey to make. While traveling, it will be hard to practice. Let me arouse energy now before I leave.”
- Finished a journey: “I have returned from a journey. I couldn’t practice on the road. Let me arouse energy now to make up for lost time.”
- Lacking food: “I didn’t get much food on alms round. My body is light and not sluggish. This is the perfect time to meditate! Let me arouse energy now.”
- Full of food: “I ate a good meal on alms round. My body is strong and full of energy. This is the perfect time to meditate! Let me arouse energy now.”
- Slightly sick: “I am slightly sick. This illness might get worse and kill me. Let me arouse energy now before it’s too late.”
- Recovering from sickness: “I have just recovered. I could have died. Let me arouse energy now before the illness returns.”
Textual References
- Canonical: Kusītārambhavatthu Sutta (AN 8.80) – The Buddha teaches this powerful psychological reframing to guarantee continuous striving.